According to the Met Office, sleet and snow is likely across higher ground and temperatures will turn cold tonight particularly in sheltered areas.

Flood warnings

The continuous rainfall over the past week has seen many parts of the country saturated and rivers bursting their banks causing travel chaos for those making their way to family and friends over the Christmas period.

The River Towy in flood in Carmarthenshire this week (Image: Marianne Rhys)

Natural Resources Wales have two flood warnings in place for Thursday, in Bangor on Dee and Tenby , where water levels may remain high for several days and levels continue to rise during each high tide.

They have also issued 24 flood alerts across Wales and in particular through mid and North Wales.

The warning runs from 3pm on Christmas Day until 11.45pm on Boxing Day.

The Met Office chief forecaster said: "Rain, persistent and heavy at times is expected to spread north across the UK on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

"During Boxing Day, the heaviest and most prolonged spells of rain is expected to become slow moving across the warning area.

"There is still uncertainty over where the heaviest rainfall will be. But around 60mm to 80mm is likely to fall quite widely."

Warnings

As low lying land and roads are affected by the weather, Natural Resources Wales urged people to protect their family, pets and property.

A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said: “Prepare a flood kit including a torch, batteries, mobile phone, warm clothes, water, food and any prescription medicines you may need.

“Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.

“Farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood.”

The River Tywi, Carmarthen, which has burst its banks after a period of heavy rain (Image: Rob Browne)

'Please remain safe and vigilant'

Drivers are also being warned about ignoring flooding signs on the roads after four people had to be rescued by fire servies in mid and west Wales last weekend.

Chris Margetts from the fire service said: “Not only can flood water do serious damage to your vehicle, but it poses a serious threat to yourself and others when you choose to ignore road closures signs.

“In the event where there is no road closure sign don’t drive through deep water.